Crypto Industry’s Warm Welcome At DNC Convention In Chicago

Chicago marked a milestone shift for Democratic National Conventions, as crypto was infused into the atmosphere. It certainly felt like the industry’s presence was welcomed.

If elected, Vice President Kamala Harris could become the nation’s first ‘Tech-President,’ considering her roots in Silicon Valley and leadership of AI policy in the White House. So, it is not off base to infer that a Harris Administration would explore policies to advance emerging technologies, such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

Industry’s Call For A Signal Delivered

Since Harris became her party’s presumptive Presidential nominee a few weeks ago, crypto industry leaders have been pushing for greater assurance, which came a day before she formally accepted the nomination.

When asked about crypto policy during a convention presser, Harris-Walz campaign Advisor Brian Nelson ceased on the opportunity to reassure the industry.

“She’s going to support policies that ensure that emerging technologies and that sort of industry can continue to grow. Obviously, they’ve expressed that one of the things that they need are stable rules, rules of the road.”

North Carolina Congressman Wiley Nickel, a Democrat and champion of crypto, responded to the news on social media: “I’ve been working hard to push for a reset on crypto, and am thrilled about this important policy statement.”

Next Gen Crypto-Friendly Dems Headlined Stage

Congressman Nickel is in good company. The convention speaker lineup featured a new breed of crypto-savvy politicians who are well-positioned to advise the Harris-Walz ticket on how best to balance consumer protection policies with legislative proposals to promote economic opportunity as the $2 trillion market matures.

Two young, crypto-friendly, Democratic officials captured the national political spotlight this convention. While their remarks did not reference Web3 or DeFi, their engagements on these issues have been significant.

The first night kicked off with Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who is a key voice on digital assets on Capitol Hill. She serves on the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development. And she is a top surrogate for the campaign.

Headlining the stage on the coveted final night of Convention programming was Alabama Congressional Candidate Shomari Figures, a former Obama Appointee who has received support from crypto PACs. His campaign’s policy agenda highlights the benefits of cryptocurrency.

Hot Ticket Side Events

This was a good sign for industry insiders who convened forums and parties that complemented the positive vibes across Chicago this week. There were no shortage of events touting crypto.

I spoke at a policy session hosted by Chamber of Progress and Business Forward, which also included Congressman Nickel, New York State Assemblyman Clyde Vanel, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Paradigm Justin Slaughter, and Director of Financial Policy at the Chamber of Progress Kyle Bligen.

Tech4Kamala activated various gatherings where Web3 leaders converged. I hosted a pre-convention policy briefing on Sunday where Paradigm’s Dominique Little discussed results from a poll of Democrats her firm recently conducted. And Polymarket’s swanky bash at the Waldorf Astoria Brass Tack was a hot-ticket for convention-goers.

Executives, founders, former Washington staffers and officials working across crypto were branded with credentials to access the spaces where conversations about policy were happening and enjoyed good times with Democrats.

A Change Is Gonna Come

The mood towards the crypto entourage was not hostile. There was genuine curiosity and interest. This election cycle has truly been a catalyst to crypto’s political breakout moment. During July’s Republican National Convention, crypto was injected into the GOP Party platform.

What’s next? A crypto ball at Inauguration in January 2025? Roll Tide!